Legislative Update

• Legislative Update

• Carbon Dioxide Pipeline Legislation

Have Fun 

• Annual Meeting RSVP - June 14, at Briggs Woods Park in Webster City 

• Hitchcock Nature Center Outing, Honey Creek, Iowa - September 20

Protecting the Environment

• Understanding Iowa's Fish Consumption Advisory

• Ottumwa coal ash polluting ground water 

• Lunch and Learns Fridays at noon

Plus

• Free Estate Planning Tools for Sierra Club Members

• Contribute to the Iowa Chapter

• Volunteer for the Iowa Chapter

• Calendar of events

• To see the archive of previous Iowa Chapter newsletters

Legislative Update

The legislature went into overtime and finally adjourned on May 15 after missing its scheduled adjournment date of May 2, when the legislators' per diem expense money ended.  Over the next few weeks, we will continue to watch the legislation that was sent to the Governor's desk.

• The Sierra Club is encouraging the governor to sign HF639, an omnibus bill that includes multiple provisions affecting carbon dioxide pipelines, including intervenor rights, liability protections, strengthening common carrier language because only a common carrier can exercise eminent domain, requiring all members of the Utilities Commission to attend hearings where testimony is given, and more.

• HF472, a bill that provides expedited processes to protect those who are sued while using their First Amendment Rights to speak in public.  Those are called SLAPP (Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation) suits and have been used by corporations to attempt to silence people who publicly oppose their projects.  We are asking the governor to sign the bill.

• We encourage the governor to sign HF876 into law - a bill that requires the disclosure of lead service lines when real estate is transferred.  If the water lines leading into a building are made of lead, the lead from the pipes can leach into the water.  Drinking water contaminated with lead can result in a range of health problems.  High levels of lead are extremely dangerous to children, including lower IQ, learning and behavior difficulties, and slowed growth.  Adults with high levels of lead exposure can experience high blood pressure, memory and concentration issues, muscle and joint pain, and other issues.  Replacing lead services lines is costly.  A person purchasing a property has a right to know if the building has lead service lines.

• The legislature voted to extend REAP until June 30, 2028, as part of bill SF646.  The Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program provides funding to protect Iowa’s natural areas, soil conservation, water quality and historical resources.  REAP benefits counties as well as the state.  The Sierra Club supports extending REAP.         

• The governor signed the legislation that requires Story, Black Hawk, and Johnson Counties to select their members of supervisors by district, where the candidate must live in the district and where only the voters living in the district are able to vote on the candidate.  The Sierra Club opposed this legislation.

If you want to contact the Governor about any of these bills, you can phone the Governor's office at 515-281-5211.  You can also send an electronic message to E-Mail  (Note: To electronically send a letter to the governor, you must use the governor's website.)

Several of the bills we were engaged in did not move forward this year, including the Governor's energy bill, legislation to enable anaerobic digesters, and changes in assessing property taxes to forest and fruit tree reservations.  Sierra Club opposed these pieces of legislation.

Joshua Byrnes was confirmed to a seat on the Iowa Utilities Commission.  The legislature did not confirm Erik Helland as the Utilities Commission Chair; Sarah Martz will be assuming that position and will need to be confirmed in 2026.

Carbon Dioxide Pipeline Legislation

The Iowa Legislature passed a bill to protect Iowans from Summit’s proposed carbon pipeline - HF639!  Unfortunately, they did not pass a ban on eminent domain for carbon pipelines this session!

HF639, is an omnibus bill that included multiple provisions like 

• intervenor rights

• liability protections

• strengthening common carrier language because only a common carrier can exercise eminent domain

• requiring that an applicant for a permit must establish that the pipeline is for public use in order to get eminent domain

• requiring all members of the utilities commission to be present at a hearing where testimony will be given

• requiring at least one member of the utilities commission be present at informational meetings on a project that will be coming before the Commission

• and more. 

Please contact the Governor and ask that she sign HF639.  Governor's Office Phone: 515-281-5211.  Register your Opinion with the Governor - click here

Understanding Iowa's Fish Consumption Advisory: What You Need to Know

What Are They?

Fishing is a treasured activity across Iowa, offering both recreation and a valuable food source. While fish are generally a healthy, high-protein option, certain species in specific areas may carry harmful levels of contaminants like mercury, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), and pesticides. That’s where fish consumption advisories come into play.

These advisories are public health recommendations issued by agencies like the EPA and state DNR to help people make safer choices about eating locally caught fish. They are especially important to vulnerable groups such as children, those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or may become pregnant, and frequent fish consumers to make safer, informed choices. This year, Iowa updated its advisory system, moving away from location-specific warnings to a statewide, fish length-based approach. This shift acknowledges that mercury contamination is statewide, not just isolated to a few waterbodies.

Common Contaminants & Health Risks

• Mercury: Enters waterways through industrial pollution, atmospheric deposition, and natural sources like bedrock. It accumulates in fish as methylmercury and can harm brain development, particularly in infants and young children.

• PCBs: Although banned in 1979, these industrial chemicals persist in sediments and build up in fish fat. Long-term exposure is linked to increased cancer risk and damage to the immune and endocrine systems.

• Pesticides: Often enter water bodies through agricultural runoff and lawn treatments. Exposure can disrupt the nervous and reproductive systems and increase the risk of cancer.

New Developments in 2025: Turtle Advisories

While Iowa’s 2025 blanket advisory initially omitted turtles, future advisories will include them. Draft language is expected to recommend that vulnerable groups limit turtle consumption regardless of species. This update follows the detection of elevated mercury levels in snapping turtles at Pollmiller Lake (Lee Co.), with nearby lakes showing borderline levels. In southeast Iowa, much of the mercury likely originates from natural bedrock rather than pollution, but health risks remain. Since turtles bioaccumulate contaminants similarly to fish, and often more so due to their scavenging diets, their inclusion reflects a proactive step toward protecting public health.

Iowa’s Updated Approach and Looking Ahead

In 2025, Iowa revised its fish consumption advisory to a fish-length-based approach, aligning with EPA guidelines and mirroring practices in some neighboring states, though differences remain. For example, Iowa uses a hand-size method to estimate serving sizes, while others like Minnesota and Wisconsin use standardized weights such as 8 ounces. Illinois and Missouri include more specific details like waterbody and species. Iowa is also expanding contaminant monitoring across more public lakes, with a focus on sites showing elevated levels, such as McKinley, Geode, and Pollmiller Lakes, and will continue to closely track these locations over time. Turtle tissue sampling will be conducted cautiously and only in critical areas due to its invasive nature and the need to protect vulnerable populations.

How to Stay Safe

• Choose smaller, younger fish and turtles

• Space out fish meals to reduce cumulative exposure

• Remove fatty parts before cooking

• Use grilling or broiling to let fat drip off

• Avoid using drippings in sauces or gravies

Takeaway

To stay safe and informed, it’s important to know what kind of fish or turtle you’re eating and how often, especially if you’re pregnant, may become pregnant, breastfeeding, or feeding young children. Iowa’s advisory provides clear guidance on safer meal choices based on species and size, use it to help reduce exposure to mercury and other contaminants. Sharing this information with family, friends, and local communities can go a long way in spreading awareness. And finally, supporting stronger pollution regulations, improved monitoring efforts, and investments in cleaner water systems is essential for reducing long-term health risks and protecting Iowa’s lakes and rivers for future generations.

Learn more at Iowa DNR’s Fish Consumption & Safety Page: www.iowadnr.gov/environmental-protection/water-quality/water-quality-monitoring-assessment/fish-consumption-safety

Also, see page 17 of the 2025 Iowa Fishing Regulations: www.iowadnr.gov/media/6063/download?inline

See slides from Briana Kouma's presentation on fish consumption advisories

Annual Meeting RSVP - June 14, Webster City 

You’re Invited: Iowa Chapter Annual Meeting – A Day to Celebrate and Grow Together

Join us at the beautiful Briggs Woods Park Barn Shelter in Webster City on Saturday, June 14 for our Annual Meeting! It will be a day to connect with fellow members, reflect on our achievements, and energize for the work ahead.  RSVP today

We’ll kick things off at 10:00am with check-in and a warm welcome. 

At 10:30am, we’re excited to host Jon Judson, owner of Diversity Farms, Inc., who will present “The Benefits and Challenges of Using Native Prairie Plants for Landscaping.” With over 30 years of experience in natural resource consulting, Jon will share practical insights on design, site preparation, species selection, and maintenance.

While adults enjoy the presentation, kids will have their own creative fun with an art project led by Sheri Albrecht.

At 11:30am, we’ll take a moment to reflect on the past year’s battles and successes, and to preview what’s coming next. 

Then, enjoy pizza from local favorite Leon’s at noon, and chip in during our pass-the-hat fundraiser to support our ongoing work.

The afternoon kicks off at 1:00pm with a “Call to Action” session — offering concrete steps for how each of us can make a difference. 

At 2:00pm, choose your own adventure with a guided hike through the woods, led by David Hoferer and Tom Rosburg.

Stick around for the whole day — or bring your gear and consider camping overnight!

Cost: $25 per adult; children under 12 attend free - pay at the door

Location: Briggs Woods Park Barn Shelter, 2490 Briggs Woods Trail, Webster City, IA, 50595

Food: Pizza from Leon’s
What to bring: Hiking gear and a reusable cup or water bottle

We hope to see you there!  RSVP today

Hitchcock Outing

Experience Peak Hawk Migration at Hitchcock Nature Center!

Join us on Saturday, September 20 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM for a special outing at Hitchcock Nature Center, one of Iowa’s most scenic and biologically rich areas. Mid-September marks the height of hawk migration, and we’ll be hitting the trails with naturalists and HawkWatch biologists to learn all about these incredible birds.  Sign up today

This guided hike includes a stop at the park’s observation tower, a look at Loess Hills plant and animal life, and a short talk with Dr. Tom Rosburg at the overlook. Bring your lunch, wear sturdy hiking gear, and get ready for an unforgettable nature experience.

Cost: $5 per person
Location: Hitchcock Nature Center, 27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, IA 51542

If you have some time after the event, you might consider a visit to nearby DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge.

Don’t miss this chance to connect with nature, learn from experts, and witness one of the most exciting migrations of the year!  Sign up today

Free Estate Planning Tools for Sierra Club Members 

“How can I create a will?” 

If you’ve asked this question–you’re not alone. Creating a will or other estate planning documents can feel daunting.

As a Sierran, you know: there is power in a plan. When we want to protect habitats such as the Loess Hills, or help communities have access to clean renewable energy, or ensure that anyone can get outdoors, we first take into account all the information available to us. Then we get busy drafting the best plan. 

Our new Sierra Club tool, Giving Docs, makes it easy for you to build a personalized action plan. Giving Docs is a simple, secure way to create your will and other important estate planning documents online. It’s free for Sierra Club supporters—and it only takes a few minutes to create an account and get started.

We hope you find this new resource to be useful as you craft your long-term wishes. You can even use Giving Docs to create your Sierra Club legacy by naming the Iowa Chapter as a beneficiary of your plans. Although this type of support isn’t required to utilize this estate planning platform, any gift is greatly appreciated.

If you have any questions, you can reach out to Julia Curtis at julia.curtis@sierraclub.org or (800) 932-4270. 

Ottumwa coal ash polluting groundwater: environmentalists seek a permanent solution

Alliant Energy’s Iowa affiliate, Interstate Power and Light (IPL), has agreed to stop discharges of polluted groundwater under an Ottumwa coal ash landfill.  The move followed a 60-day notice of intent to sue under the Clean Water Act, issued by Sierra Club, the Iowa Environmental Council, and Environmental Law & Policy Center, over unauthorized discharges.  The coal ash at the landfill comes from the Ottumwa Generating Station co-owned by IPL and MidAmerican Energy. 

The notice of intent to sue alleged that Alliant’s Iowa affiliate discharged polluted groundwater from the site for decades.  The polluted groundwater was being discharged to a wetland that flows to a creek, then into the Des Moines River.  Iowa Department of Natural Resources informed IPL in 2023 that the discharge did not qualify under the company’s stormwater permit.  The utility’s own monitoring shows the water contains arsenic, cobalt, manganese, molybdenum at levels above groundwater or drinking water standards, as well as other heavy metals. 

Alliant informed the environmental groups that it would temporarily truck polluted water to the City of Ottumwa Water Pollution Control Facility or for evaporation at the coal plant.  Trucking polluted water to the city facility is both expensive and ineffective.  City water treatment plants are not equipped to properly handle coal ash. The treatment technology (biological or chemical settling) is ineffective at removing certain toxics and heavy metals, such as mercury, from wastewater. 

The change in disposal practices by IPL occurred days before expiration of the 60-day period in the notice of intent to sue from the environmental groups.  We believe that IPL should implement a permanent solution that treats the pollution from the coal ash landfill and stops harming public health and the environment.

Lunch and Learns Fridays at noon

Fridays at noon, we do a Lunch and Learn livestream.  See us on Facebook at "Sierra Club Iowa Chapter".  These will be recorded so you can watch them anytime.  Topics will be selected based on what is happening during the week.  During the legislative session, we cover issues coming before the Iowa legislature.

In case you missed our past webinars and lunch and learn sessions, you can still see them.  We are hearing that Facebook will start purging recordings if they are 30 days old, so you will want to watch these before they are purged.

• See "Data Centers & Water!", May 9, 2025

• View "12 Republicans + 16 Democrats = A Majority", May 2, 2025

• See "Iowa Fish Consumption Advisory", April 25, 2025

Volunteer for the Iowa Chapter

Almost everything we do is done by volunteers like you.  If you would like to volunteer for the Iowa Chapter, please let us know by sending an E-mail to Iowa.chapter@sierraclub.org.  Or sign up by using the online form.  There are many opportunities for you to make a difference:

• making phone calls

• developing graphics for banners and flyers

• working on legislative issues

• working on elections

• fundraising

• organizing events

• joining an issue committee 

If you would like to join our legislative action team, sign up here.  Keep on top of what is happening at the Iowa legislature.  Be alerted when you should contact your legislators about pending legislation.

Photo: camping by Jess Mazour.

Sierra Club - working every day on Iowa’s environmental problems

Sierra Club is Iowa’s oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization.  Not only that, we are the best bet in the state for achieving bold solutions to Iowa’s environmental problems.

We work in the courts, before Iowa’s public agencies, and in the halls of the legislature.  The Iowa Chapter's effort to protect the environment takes financial support.  The Chapter receives very little financial support from the national Sierra Club.  Can we count on you for a donation to ensure even more victories?  Your contribution will be put to work here in Iowa on issues that affect every day Iowans – water quality, clean air, protection of Iowa's soil, parks and natural areas, and a strong democracy.  The Iowa Chapter is relentless in fighting back bad legislation that affects every one of us. 

Your non-deductible contributions make it possible for us to fight bad legislation and to promote good legislation.  We appreciate your past and on-going support of these efforts.  You can make a non-deductible donation with a credit card.   A non-deductible donation supports the Chapter's effective, citizen-based advocacy and lobbying programs.  If you prefer, a non-deductible check can be written to the Sierra Club Iowa Chapter and mailed to:

Treasurer
Sierra Club, Iowa Chapter
PO Box 1058
Marion, IA 52302

You can also make a tax-deductible donation with a credit card.  Tax-deductible activities are limited to public interest education, research and legal actions.  A deductible check can be written to the Sierra Club Foundation with “Iowa Chapter” written in the memo line.

Thank you for your support.

Donate your used vehicle

As the Sierra Club Foundation's Iowa Chapter continues to raise charitable funds to support its work in Iowa, won’t you consider participating in our vehicle donation program?  Our partners over at CARS have made the process of donating your unused or unneeded car, truck, motorcycle, boat or RV easy, efficient and secure.  They’ll take care of everything from picking up your vehicle to sending you a tax receipt for your generous gift.  To learn more about The Sierra Club Foundation's Iowa Chapter vehicle donation program, please call 844-674-3772.  Or visit our webpage to get started today!

Sierra Club Foundation promotes climate solutions, conservation, and movement building through a powerful combination of strategic philanthropy and grassroots advocacy. The Foundation is the fiscal sponsor of Sierra Club’s charitable environmental programs.

For more information 

Planned giving . . . naming the Sierra Club Iowa Chapter in your will 

Ensure your environmental legacy by naming the Iowa Chapter in your will or trust. These gifts cost you nothing now. You can hold onto your assets for as long as you need them.

Thank you for supporting our work!